Pulsatilla patens
Pulsatilla patens · Ranunculaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant pulsatilla patens: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Pulsatilla patens
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm tall
- Foliage
- Deciduous, finely cut and silky
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -30°C)
- Origin
- Meadows of temperate regions of Europe and Asia
- Soil type
- Well-draining, gravelly, poor to average
Care
Light
Plant Pasque flower in a sunny location, or even slightly shaded in very hot climates. It needs abundant light to flower generously. Avoid dark areas or permanently shaded spots.
Soil and drainage
Prepare very well-draining, gravelly or sandy soil: this is the key to success. This plant from dry meadows dreads stagnant moisture. Adding gravel or coarse sand will improve your soil's natural drainage.
Watering
Water moderately when planting and during spring growth. Once established, Pasque flower tolerates drought well. Reduce watering in summer and stop completely in winter when the foliage disappears.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is needed: this plant prefers poor soil. Excessive enrichment can promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers and weaken the plant.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is required. Let the foliage wither naturally at the end of the season to rebuild underground reserves. You can remove dead leaves in the heart of winter if desired, but it's optional.
Diseases and pests
Pasque flower is very hardy and rarely affected by disease if drainage is ensured. Root rot is the main risk in case of excessive moisture. Regularly check that water doesn't pool around the crown.
Did you know?
Pasque flower bears remarkable flowers covered in silky hairs that shine beautifully when sunlight passes through them. In Central and Eastern Europe, it is traditionally picked in spring as a symbol of renewal; some regions even legally protect it due to its progressive disappearance from natural meadows, victims of agricultural intensification.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Stinking helleboreHelleborus foetidus
- Meadow rueThalictrum aquilegiifolium
- Christmas roseHelleborus niger
- Grecian windflowerAnemone blanda
- Lenten roseHelleborus orientalis
- Hubei AnemoneEriocapitella hupehensis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.